The 8 steps
- Get pre-approvedA lender reviews your income, credit, and assets and tells you what you can borrow. Sellers expect a pre-approval letter with every offer.
- Sign a buyer-broker agreementSince August 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. It spells out the agent's compensation up front.
- Search and tourYour agent sets up an MLS search and schedules showings so you can narrow down your top choices.
- Make an offerYour agent writes the offer on the Arizona REALTORS® Residential Resale Purchase Contract, including price, earnest money, and timelines.
- NegotiateThe seller may counter. Your agent negotiates price, terms, and credits until both sides agree.
- Open escrowThe signed contract goes to a title and escrow company, and you deposit your earnest money with escrow.
- Inspect during the 10-day periodYou inspect the home, review HOA documents, and request repairs. You can cancel for any reason during this window and get your earnest money back.
- Final walkthrough and closeYou walk the home one last time, sign at escrow, the deed records with the county, and you get your keys.
What's different about buying in Arizona
- Escrow, not attorneys. A neutral title and escrow company manages the money, documents, and recording.
- A 10-day inspection period by default. It can be negotiated longer or shorter, but 10 days is the standard in the state contract.
- No real estate transfer tax. Arizona voters banned new transfer taxes in 2008. You'll see a small fee for the affidavit of property value, not a percentage of the price.
A realistic timeline
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Pre-approval | 1–5 days |
| Home search | 2 weeks–3 months |
| Offer to accepted contract | 1–5 days |
| Inspection period | 10 days |
| Accepted offer to closing | 30–45 days |
Common questions
How long is the inspection period in Arizona?
The standard Arizona purchase contract gives buyers 10 days, and it can be negotiated. During that window you can cancel for any reason and get your earnest money back.
Who holds the earnest money in Arizona?
The title and escrow company holds it in a trust account until closing. It's applied to your down payment and closing costs when you close.
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Rules, rates, and limits change, so confirm current numbers with your lender and escrow officer before you rely on them.